The KSS Blog


Check out our blog for recent updates, staff stories, Mission Moments and more!

  • A Keystone of Our Community: Summit Day Camp

    A Keystone of Our Community: Summit Day Camp


    The heart of Keystone Science School lies in being a part of our community. We strive for ways to better support our local families, and our biggest contribution is Summit Day Camp. This program serves…

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  • 2023 Donor Impact Report

    2023 Donor Impact Report


    Hear from our board chairman, CEO, read financial data and more in our 2023 Donor Impact Report

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  • Mission Moment: Riverview School

    Mission Moment: Riverview School


    In this Mission Moment video, discover why Riverview School recommends our Outdoor Education program at KSS. Hear firsthand from students and teachers as they share their unforgettable experiences, newfound skills, and deep appreciation for the…

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  • Ready, Set, Pack: Your Ultimate Guide to Discovery Camp Essentials!

    Ready, Set, Pack: Your Ultimate Guide to Discovery Camp Essentials!


    Summer camp is a time-honored tradition that offers unforgettable experiences and memories for campers of all ages. Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned veteran, packing for summer camp can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fear…

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  • Mission Moment: Collegiate Academy

    Mission Moment: Collegiate Academy


    Step into the shoes of a teacher witnessing the profound impact of outdoor education on their students during an unforgettable trip to Keystone Science School. In this video, hear a teacher’s heartfelt reflections on the…

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  • Mission Moment: West Grand Middle School

    Mission Moment: West Grand Middle School


    Join West Grand Middle School students as they share their experiences from the Outdoor Education trip at Keystone Science School. Hear firsthand how this journey impacted them, fostering teamwork, resilience, and a deeper connection to…

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  • What’s Up Above? March Stargazing

    What’s Up Above? March Stargazing


    I’ll admit it, stargazing is difficult in winter.  Especially in February.  Even the hardiest hesitate.  A crystal clear, cloudless night, dark as motor oil, still beckons you, however.  Resolve rises inside and you bundle up. 

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  • Mission Moment: Crest Academy

    Mission Moment: Crest Academy


    Join us for a heartwarming mission moment as we delve into the unforgettable experiences of Crest Academy during their Outdoor Education Field Trip at Keystone Science School. From exhilarating adventures in nature to hands-on scientific…

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  • Mission Moment: Girls in STEM Snow Science 2024

    Mission Moment: Girls in STEM Snow Science 2024


    Join us as we revisit the captivating moments from our Girls in STEM Snow & Avalanche Science program and listen to the reflections of our participants!

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  • The Impact of Girls in STEM

    The Impact of Girls in STEM


    Hear from Anna, our School Year Program Manager, on the impact Girls in STEM at KSS has on the kids that experience it!

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  • Favorite Themed Week of Camp – Part 2, Day Camp

    Favorite Themed Week of Camp – Part 2, Day Camp


    Now its time to hear from our Day Camp staff on which themed week of day camp is their favorite!

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  • Favorite Themed Week of Discovery Camp

    Favorite Themed Week of Discovery Camp


    What is your favorite themed week of Discovery Camp? Hear from a few of our staff about what theme they like the most!

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  • What’s Up Above? February Stargazing

    What’s Up Above? February Stargazing


    I’ll admit it, stargazing is difficult in winter.  Especially in February.  Even the hardiest hesitate.  A crystal clear, cloudless night, dark as motor oil, still beckons you, however.  Resolve rises inside and you bundle up. 

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  • Unveiling the Summer Camp Legends at Keystone Science School

    Unveiling the Summer Camp Legends at Keystone Science School


    Picture this: a summer camp where adventure meets whimsy, and every corner of Keystone Science School is alive with the antics of legendary figures. KSS introduces a unique twist – the presence of Camp Legends…

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  • The Value of Our Outdoor Education Programs

    The Value of Our Outdoor Education Programs


    Our multi-day field trips offer more than just a break from the traditional classroom; they are an opportunity for transformative learning and personal discovery.

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  • Favorite Day of Camp – Part 2, Day Camp

    Favorite Day of Camp – Part 2, Day Camp


    Now its time to hear from our Day Camp counselors on which day of camp is their favorite!

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  • The Impact of Summer Camp

    The Impact of Summer Camp


    Hear from our Ian, our Summer Programs Director, on the impact summer camp at KSS has on the kids that experience camp!

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  • Favorite Day of Discovery Camp

    Favorite Day of Discovery Camp


    What is your favorite day of Discovery Camp? Hear from a few of our staff about what their day they like the most!

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  • Mission Moment: Edith Teter

    Mission Moment: Edith Teter


    Exploring Nature, Inspiring Minds! Join us on a journey as Edith Teter Elementary share the magic of their Outdoor Education Field Trip. Hear firsthand about the unforgettable moments and discoveries that make learning come alive!

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  • What’s Up Above? January Stargazing

    What’s Up Above? January Stargazing


    Winter is here. Notwithstanding the fact that since the passing of the winter solstice in late December, and the indiscriminate increasing length of daylight, by approximately one minute per day, the northern hemisphere days remain…

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  • 2023 Girls in STEM Impact Report

    2023 Girls in STEM Impact Report


    Keystone Science School’s Girls in STEM Program strives to break through gender barriers in STEM fields, inspires girls to be their authentic selves and empowers girls to be confident leaders in their classrooms and beyond.…

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  • Year in Review 2023

    Year in Review 2023


    Check out Keystone Science School’s 2023 Year in Review video! Witness the impact on participants, students, staff and families in their own words. It has been another great year at KSS – from our educational…

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  • 2023 H2O Outdoors Impact Report

    2023 H2O Outdoors Impact Report


    H2O Outdoors 2023 Empowering the Next Generation of Water Stewards Keystone Science School recently hosted its annual water education program for high schoolers, H2O Outdoors, from November 1-3, 2023. H2O Outdoors is a standards-based, educational…

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  • 2023 Beyond the Classroom Impact Report

    2023 Beyond the Classroom Impact Report


    Beyond the Classroom 2023 KSS Professional Development Program Keystone Science School recently hosted its annual professional development program for teachers, Beyond the Classroom, from November 1-3, 2023. This transformative workshop equipped educators with the tools…

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  • What’s Up Above? December Stargazing

    What’s Up Above? December Stargazing


    Winter is here.  In all fullness the shortest day and the longest night arrives on December 21st.  Those living in the northern hemisphere at the dawn of humanity saw the autumnal Sun continue to fall…

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  • Get to Know Our New CEO, Kim Krebs!

    Get to Know Our New CEO, Kim Krebs!


    Watch this short video to get to know our new CEO, Kim Krebs, and hear what she thinks of KSS since starting here a little over 6 months ago. Kim’s impressive career includes years of…

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  • Mission Moment: H2O Outdoors 2023

    Mission Moment: H2O Outdoors 2023


    High Schooler’s in our H2O Outdoors program had a lot of fun the first week of November! If you don’t believe us, listen to what they have to say about the program in this short…

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  • What’s Up Above? November Stargazing

    What’s Up Above? November Stargazing


    By “Astro” Mark Laurin Used with permission. November is a yin and yang month for stargazers in the northern hemisphere. Daylight Saving Time concludes Nov. 5th, so the sun now sets around 5:00pm. That gives…

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  • 2023 Summit School District Partnership 

    2023 Summit School District Partnership 


    2023 Keystone Science School and Summit School District Partnership Summer 2023 at Keystone Science School was a resounding success as we once again collaborated with the Summit School District (SSD) to host ten weeks of…

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  • 2023 Summer Camp Impact Report

    2023 Summer Camp Impact Report


    As autumn draws to a close in Summit County, our team finds itself in a moment of reflection upon the remarkable summer we experienced at KSS this year. With the theme “Summer of Soaring,” we…

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  • Mission Moment: Mackintosh Academy Boulder

    Mission Moment: Mackintosh Academy Boulder


    Mackintosh Academy attended our Outdoor Education program at KSS last week. Hear what some of the students had to say about the program in this mission moment video! Get your class outside in the Rockies…

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  • Mission Moment: Evergreen Country Day School

    Mission Moment: Evergreen Country Day School


    Don’t miss this heartfelt testimony that highlights the magic of learning beyond the classroom. Discover the impact of Evergreen Country Day School’s outdoor education program at KSS through the eyes of one of their teachers.…

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  • Thank You to Our 2023 Summer Camp Sponsors!

    Thank You to Our 2023 Summer Camp Sponsors!


    Thank you for an amazing summer, and thank you to all the fantastic sponsors that made it possible! Platinum Sponsor: First Bank Gold Sponsors: Summit Cove Property Management, Climax Molybdenum Silver Sponsors: Breckenridge Associates Real…

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  • Mission Moment: Girls in STEM Film Fest 2023

    Mission Moment: Girls in STEM Film Fest 2023


    Empowering young minds through STEM: Relive the highlights of our Girls in STEM Film Fest program and hear what participants had to say! Girls in STEM: Film Fest is a short 3 day 2 night…

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  • Mission Moment: What Kids Gain From Camp

    Mission Moment: What Kids Gain From Camp


    Hear what some of our Day Camp parents and campers had to say about what they learn at camp! Donate here to help support our mission.

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  • Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? July Stargazing

    Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? July Stargazing


    By “Astro” Mark Laurin July’s arrival tells us to fully step firmly into summer. Not tentatively or with hesitation, the month of July demands our participation. Get outside, inhale a deep breath of fullness. This…

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  • The Purpose of Our Campfire

    The Purpose of Our Campfire


    Our Campfire is one of our favorite summer camp traditions at Keystone Science School. Singing songs, silly skits, and of course roasting marshmallows to make s’mores, the Campfire helps ease campers into the camp experience…

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  • Sipping for Science Raised over $90k for Keystone Science School

    Sipping for Science Raised over $90k for Keystone Science School


    Keystone Science School welcomed their new CEO, Kim Krebs to the community at their annual fundraiser, Sipping for Science last Thursday, June 15th. Friends of the Science School who attended raised over $90k to help KSS retain…

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  • Mission Moment: Day Camp Begins!

    Mission Moment: Day Camp Begins!


    Hear what some of our Day Camp parents had to say after the first session of this summer! Donate here to help support our mission.

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  • Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? June Stargazing

    Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? June Stargazing


    By “Astro” Mark Laurin Let’s have a picnic. Let’s go to the park, run in the grass, and feel summer between our toes. Across the land, the call went out to one and all. Summer…

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  • 2022 Annual Report

    2022 Annual Report


    2022 was our Year of Community – a fitting tribute to the Science School’s journey building past the impacts of the pandemic. Our successes would not have been possible without the support of everyone who…

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  • Parent Pickup and Drop-off at Summer Camp

    Parent Pickup and Drop-off at Summer Camp


    Before you bring your camper KSS, we want to prepare you for the check-in process and parent presentation at the conclusion of each sessions. The following is a summary of our drop-off and pick-up times…

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  • Our Summit Community Funders Make Camp Possible for Local Students 

    Our Summit Community Funders Make Camp Possible for Local Students 


    Since 2015, Keystone Science School has partnered with local funders and Summit School District (SSD) to launch a full summer of Day Camp for SSD students. The program offers consistent and affordable care to over…

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  • KSS Transportation & Safety Measures

    KSS Transportation & Safety Measures


    Utilizing the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and surrounding areas, Keystone Science School programs love to take our students and campers off-campus to experience science, adventure, Fun! This brings up the question of how Keystone Science…

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  • Mission Moment: Silverthorne Elementary Overnight 

    Mission Moment: Silverthorne Elementary Overnight 


    “It’s so crucial today for people to get outdoors, experience the world, experience the science of nature and leave their cell phones behind. Keystone Science School broadens the eyes, the mind and the soul of…

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  • The 2023 Sipping for Science Menu – Read by Kids!

    The 2023 Sipping for Science Menu – Read by Kids!


    Sipping for Science a formal evening supporting Keystone Science School that has been held at Keystone Ranch since 2017. Join us on Thursday, June 15th at 6pm for a delicious four-course meal, paired with select…

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  • Mission Moment: 3rd Grade Mountain Ecology

    Mission Moment: 3rd Grade Mountain Ecology


    Do to the generous support of Vail EpicPromise, the students of Summit County Schools were able to attend our 3rd Grade Mountain Ecology program at Keystone Science School throughout this winter and spring. This program…

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  • Our Mission & Values

    Our Mission & Values


    What do the mission and values of KSS mean to the people who work here? Watch this short video to find out! Click here to learn more about our mission, vision and values. Donate here to help support…

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  • Meet our new CEO, Kim Krebs!

    Meet our new CEO, Kim Krebs!


    As you may know, Ellen Reid who successfully led Keystone Science School for over 15 years has recently moved on to other endeavors.The Board of Directors initiated a national search with assistance from Philip DeBoer…

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  • 2023 Scholarship Report – Round  2

    2023 Scholarship Report – Round  2


    Summer is quickly approaching and we’ve wrapped up the second round of scholarships for this year. Keystone Science School is proud to continue our tradition of giving campers a chance to come to camp through…

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  • Outdoor Education Highlight: Watersheds & Water Management Curriculum

    Outdoor Education Highlight: Watersheds & Water Management Curriculum


    A few weeks ago, Katie – a science teacher from West Grand Middle school – brought her class up to KSS for an Outdoor Education field trip. She chose Watersheds & Water Management as their…

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  • Girls in STEM: Snow & Avalanche Science Student Testimonial

    Girls in STEM: Snow & Avalanche Science Student Testimonial


    Girls in STEM: Snow & Avalanche Science was a success! Hear from one of our students about their thoughts on their experience in this video. Keystone Science School’s Girls in STEM: Snow and Avalanche Science…

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  • Mission Moment: Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy

    Mission Moment: Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy


    Last week, Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy traveled all the way from Chicago to attend an Outdoor Education program at KSS. During the week, they learned about snow & avalanche science and were able to experience a…

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  • Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? April Stargazing

    Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? April Stargazing


    By “Astro” Mark Laurin George Harrison wrote prophetically, “little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter.” For some, spring announces marks the end of loneliness and the arrival of cherry blossoms, tulips extending green…

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  • Mission Moment: West Grand Middle School

    Mission Moment: West Grand Middle School


    West Grand Middle School attended an Outdoor Education Program at KSS a few weeks ago. This trip helped make the outdoors more accesible to some students who lacked this access beforehand. During their time here…

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  • SummitCove Vacation Lodging and Property Management

    SummitCove Vacation Lodging and Property Management


    Keystone Science School has a variety of corporate partners, and we’re thankful for the partnership with SummitCove Vacation Lodging and Property Management. They have made a positive impact on KSS and their employees through our…

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  • What to do when your camper or student is on the Waitlist

    What to do when your camper or student is on the Waitlist


    You may have been placed on the waitlist for one or more sessions of programming. A lot can change between now and the start of the session, and we are hopeful that we can accommodate…

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  • Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? March Stargazing

    Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? March Stargazing


    By “Astro” Mark Laurin The night sky in March is different. More of a feeling type of difference, than a celestial difference. March is a month of transition for the celestial dome overhead. Most significant…

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  • Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? February Stargazing

    Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? February Stargazing


    By “Astro” Mark Laurin I’ll admit it, stargazing is difficult in winter. Especially in February. Even the hardiest hesitate. A crystal clear, cloudless night, dark as motor oil, still beckons you, however. Resolve rises inside…

    Read More

  • 2023 Scholarship Report – Round 1

    2023 Scholarship Report – Round 1


    Keystone Science school has been honored to give campers a chance to come to camp through our scholarship program for years. Thanks to our Scholarship committee comprised of volunteers, KSS will distribute approximately $70,000 in…

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  • What You’ll Learn as a CAP

    What You’ll Learn as a CAP


    Spending a summer as a CAP is a wonderful way for high schoolers to experience the magic of camp while getting some leadership experience along the way! With help from our counselor mentors, CAPs will…

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  • Leadership Framework 

    Leadership Framework 


    This is not a specific curriculum or lesson, but rather a framework with a foundation of 5 elements of leadership that can be applied to any program/age/activity. As students progress through camp, adventure, and school-based…

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  • 2022 H2O Outdoors Final Report

    2022 H2O Outdoors Final Report


    H2O Outdoors is a 3-day program teaching high school students about the many uses of water and the policy which surrounds how Colorado’s water is managed. Throughout the program students learn about careers within water…

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  • 2022 Beyond the Classroom Final Report 

    2022 Beyond the Classroom Final Report 


    Beyond the Classroom 2022 was a sucess! We are happy to bring back this program since it was last held in 2019 before the pandemic. We had 15 teachers attend from 8 different schools and…

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  • Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? January Stargazing 

    Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? January Stargazing 


    By “Astro” Mark Laurin Winter is here. Notwithstanding the fact that since the passing of the winter solstice in late December, and the indiscriminate increasing length of daylight, the days in the northern hemisphere remain…

    Read More

  • 2022 Girls in STEM Final Report

    2022 Girls in STEM Final Report


    Keystone Science School believes in empowering girls by engaging them in hands-on, real-world activities to show STEM is relevant and fun in an ever-changing world. According to the National Education Association, “girls who learn in…

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  • 2022 Year in Review

    2022 Year in Review


    Thanks to the support of our donors and community members, Keystone Science School was able to rebuild our programs this year. In fact, donor support lifted our efforts to restart programs. We served 3,500 youth…

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  • 2022 Summit Day Camp Final Report 

    2022 Summit Day Camp Final Report 


    Since 2015, Keystone Science School has partnered with Summit School District (SSD) to offer 10 consecutive weeks of Summit Day Camp to its students. This enriching outdoor education program is exclusive to SSD students, serving…

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  • Board Member Yanitza Rivera on our JEDI Commission

    Board Member Yanitza Rivera on our JEDI Commission


    Yanizta Rivera, one of our KSS Board Members and a member of our new JEDI Commission, shares her thoughts on the importance of our efforts in Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. With Spanish as her…

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  • 2022 Summer Camp in Review

    2022 Summer Camp in Review


    Summit County has settled into the winter season, and the staff find themselves reflecting on the incredible summer we had at KSS this year as we continue to rebuild and restart programming after the pandemic.…

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  • A New Chapter at KSS

    A New Chapter at KSS


    Keystone Science School is an incredibly special place. Its location in Keystone, its community of people, and its mission to inspire curiosity and critical thinking through the lens of science make it so. Since 1976,…

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  • Thank You to Our Summer Camp 2022 Sponsors

    Thank You to Our Summer Camp 2022 Sponsors


    From everyone here at Keystone Science School, we want to thank our 2022 Summer of Community Camp Sponsors: FirstBank, Climax Molybdenum, Summit Cove Vacation Lodging, RA Nelson, Creative Cabinetry, Neils Lunceford, Axis Sports Medicine, iFurnish and Alpine Lumber.

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  • Mission Moment: Social Emotional Learning

    Mission Moment: Social Emotional Learning


    Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development. It is the process through which young people and adults thrive personally and academically, develop and maintain positive relationships, become lifelong learners,…

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  • Mission Moment: Pushing Campers Outside of their Comfort Zones

    Mission Moment: Pushing Campers Outside of their Comfort Zones


    Camp is a place of fun, belonging, and personal growth. Our programmatic goals are woven into the concept of challenging our campers to try new things to push them outside their ‘comfort zone’. This practice…

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  • Our Inclusion Policy

    Our Inclusion Policy


    At Keystone Science School, we believe camp and outdoor education is for everyone! We create spaces of true belonging in which campers, students, and staff can be their authentic selves while experiencing the magic of…

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  • Summit Day Camp Moves to the KSS Campus!

    Summit Day Camp Moves to the KSS Campus!


    Summit Day Camp launched in 2015 in partnership with Summit School District (SSD) to support students and their families with ten consecutive weeks of full-day Monday to Friday summer camp. Each summer the program serves…

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  • Mission Moment: What KSS Means to Me – Aniston Zabawa 

    Mission Moment: What KSS Means to Me – Aniston Zabawa 


    In April, Ian McCluskie, Program Manager, looked at his calendar for the week and saw his days packed with back-to-back interviews. It was time to meet, interview, and get to know our Summer Camp team and…

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  • FirstBank Sponsor Highlight

    FirstBank Sponsor Highlight


    When my family and I moved to Summit County in 2017, I was interested in learning more about some of our community’s most impactful non-profit organizations. Keystone Science School (KSS) quickly jumped out as one…

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  • Our Staff – Why They’re Awesome and the Experience Needed

    Our Staff – Why They’re Awesome and the Experience Needed


    At the Keystone Science School, staff are certified and trained extensively in preparation for the summer months. They go through pre-hire screenings, must meet minimum job requirements, and spend two weeks in staff training before…

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  • Employment: Camp Staff A Day in the Life 

    Employment: Camp Staff A Day in the Life 


    As a counselor at the Keystone Science School, you will work long and hard hours, but every second will be worth it. Not only do you get paid to go on adventures in the Colorado…

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